What Can I Do If My Brother Stole Someone’s Social Security Number?

Question from Dean, What Can I Do If My Brother Stole Someone’s Social Security Number?

Answer from AI:

If you discover that your brother has stolen another person’s Social Security number and used it to order cell phones and open bank accounts, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself and address the illegal activity. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Report the Identity Theft

You should report the identity theft to the appropriate authorities to ensure that you are not implicated in the crime. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. This will create an official record of the identity theft.
2. Notify the Police: File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the information you have about the identity theft, including any evidence you have found.
3. Inform the Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General to report the misuse of the Social Security number. You can do this online at oig.ssa.gov.

2. Protect Your Personal Information

Ensure that your personal information is secure and that you are not affected by your brother’s actions:

• Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
• Consider a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. You can request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus.

3. Communicate with Financial Institutions

If your address has been used for fraudulent activities, notify the relevant financial institutions:

1. Contact Banks and Credit Card Companies: Inform them of the fraudulent accounts and transactions. They may require a copy of the police report and the FTC report.
2. Return Unauthorized Items: If you have received any items ordered fraudulently, return them to the sender and explain the situation.

4. Seek Legal Advice

Given the complexity and potential legal implications of this situation, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional. An attorney can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the legal process. You can find a lawyer through resources such as the American Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Directory.

5. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all communications and actions you take related to the identity theft. This includes:

• Copies of reports filed with the FTC, police, and SSA
• Correspondence with financial institutions
• Receipts and tracking information for returned items

Conclusion

While these steps can help protect you and address the identity theft, it is essential to act quickly and seek professional legal advice. Identity theft is a serious crime, and taking the appropriate measures can help mitigate its impact on your life. For more information, you can visit the FTC’s Identity Theft Information Page.